Member Avatar for Clubber2006

Ok, i will go through what happened so you will all know.
I have Norton installed, which was playing up saying secuity was off, i wanted to unistall it because i had panda. Anyway, norton was giving me a supervisor error, so i could not unistall this.. I went to install Panda, 'it did say i should unistall norton first', but i thought it would be fine.
Now, when i start xp up it works fine, but nothing is responding, when i click start, nothing is happening, i can access some things on my dekstop but it takes about 10 mins just to load up a small pic.. Nothing seems to be loading..
So, i then thought about the system restore, which meant i had to boot in safe mode, but when i get to the black screen i cannot change the option to go to safe mode because the directional keys will not move up and the enter key wont even work .
I get the black screen but i cannot choose any options...
[IMG][/IMG]

However , i know the keyboard is working.. So has anyone got a way to get into safe mode without the f8 or without the msconfig way ? Because i need to do a restore but cant access it even when i'm not in safe mode..
Hope this is understandable..
I am using my laptop at the moment just incase anyone wonders. :cheesy:

Thank you very much :)

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Dani AI

Generated

For future readers: this thread shows a classic symptom — the Advanced Boot Options menu (the black F8 screen) appears but the arrow/Enter keys won’t register. Causes are usually input-device initialization (wireless USB receivers often don’t become active until Windows loads), BIOS/firmware settings that disable USB keyboard support at boot, or the keypress timing being missed. Below are concise, practical steps and extra precautions that weren’t fully detailed in the replies.

Quick troubleshooting (try in order):

  • Try the laptop’s built‑in keyboard first; on many laptops external wireless receivers aren’t active at boot.
  • If you have a wired keyboard, plug it into a USB 2.0 port and try again; on older desktop systems a PS/2 keyboard can also bypass USB-init problems (as hinted).
  • Enter BIOS/Setup and enable “USB legacy” or “USB keyboard support” so USB input works before Windows loads.
  • When powering on, press F8 repeatedly very early (immediately after POST) rather than holding it down later.
  • If you can briefly boot into Windows, use msconfig to set “Safe boot” for the next restart, or prepare to use the Windows XP CD to run Recovery Console/System Restore if Safe Mode remains inaccessible.

Dealing with antivirus-caused freezes:

  • Two resident real‑time scanners can conflict and make the UI hang. If you reach Safe Mode, remove both security suites, then reinstall only one supported product.
  • If normal uninstall fails, obtain the vendor’s removal utility or use an offline rescue/rescue-CD to remove services and drivers safely. Back up important files first (remove the drive or boot a Linux rescue CD if Windows is unusable).

Notes tied to this thread: ’s success came after gaining Safe Mode access and removing the extra AV; ’s suggestion to use vendor removal tools is the correct follow‑up when an AV won’t uninstall cleanly. Create a recovery CD/USB and backup plan before making further changes.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for SnowDog

Is it s USB or PS/2 keyboard?

Member Avatar for Clubber2006

It is usb wireless..
I know it works because it works ok when using other keys...

Member Avatar for JANINE

try and lay your hands on a ps/2 keyboard and mouse. this should work in enabling you to use safe mode.

some features/drivers will become disabled on accessing safe mode.

commented: thanks +1
Member Avatar for Clubber2006

Yeah, it is now working in safe mode, i will keep you informed on what happened with the pc. Thanks :)

Member Avatar for Clubber2006

Ok, everything seems to be ok now, just uninstalled Panda, and now its good... Now just the problem with Norton :)

Member Avatar for SnowDog

If Norton won't uninstall in the normal way, get the uninstall utility from the Symantec site.

commented: thanks +1
Member Avatar for Clubber2006

Yes , i managed to get this uninstalled, thanks for the info.

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